Being a pet parent can be fun and challenging at the same time, especially when it comes to choosing the right food for them. Since there are loads of options in front of you, it's highly possible that you will be confused.
While some pets are okay with dry kibbles, others may not show interest in eating unless they get wet food. Some pet owners also love to mix the wet and dry food, which is also a great idea.
Based on your pet's age, breed, and preference, both dry and wet foods have their positive aspects. All you need to do is to take the right decision while feeding your dog or cat.
Benefits of Dry Pet Foods
Dry foods are quite popular among pet parents, and there are good reasons for it. Also known as kibble, dry pet food is the most convenient type of food that is designed to deliver a complete and nutritious meal in a bag.
Dry Foods Have Longer Shelf Life
Both dry and canned foods come with a longer storage life until they are opened. However, dry foods tend to remain fresh and edible for a longer period once you open the bag.
Proper storage is essential to make sure the foods don't lose their nutrients. To maximize the foods' storage life, keep them in a jar with an airtight lid.
Also, do not throw out the bag as it is designed to maintain the freshness of the food.
They are Affordable
The best part of dry food is that it is pretty affordable. Even if you opt for a high-quality brand, you can still provide your pet with complete nutrition at an affordable rate.
You can click here to learn about some affordable and good dry foods for your pet. As they come with a longer shelf-life, you can even buy in bulk and store them. Just make sure to check the expiration date!
Dry Foods Offer Convenience & Flexibility
With dry foods, you have less worry about spoilage; plus, it fits a range of lifestyles and schedules. Just put it in your pets' bowl and leave them for the whole day, allowing your pet to have their snack whenever they want.
If you're going for a picnic or outing, carrying dry foods is quite convenient. Just pour it in a bowl when your cat or dog is hungry.
Aids Their Teeth
While dry food can be a problem for some pets to chew when they are old, especially dogs, some kibbles can act as a blessing for their teeth.
These dry pet foods are designed to scrape away stains, tartar, and plaque buildup and offer cleaner teeth.
Benefits of Wet Pet Food
Wet foods are often referred to as canned foods and can be a great choice for your carnivore pets. While it's the meatiness that attracts them, some of the formulas also contain plant-based ingredients and high-quality grains.
If you have a dog, meat should be an essential component of his food. However, a study suggests that dogs are well-adapted to digesting certain vegetables and grains.
Here are some of the benefits the wet or canned foods offer.
Wet Foods Ensure Proper Hydration
Wet or canned foods are popular due to their great water content. If you live in a hot, dry climate and your pet doesn't drink enough water, wet food can be an excellent choice to feed them.
The water content lets your pet enjoy a significant amount of portion per food without including extra calories. However, you should still consider keeping a bowl of water available to them as well.
They Come With an Appealing Smell
Do you know what's the most appealing part of the wet food? Its strong aroma.
Pets, especially dogs, tend to lose some of their olfactory senses when they get old. Hence, they might refuse to eat dry food or kibble.
Canned foods that come with a richer scent and flavor are more appetizing than kibble, and can easily attract your pet's sensitive palates.
Canned Foods are Easy to Chew
Not only does your pet lose its ability to smell when it gets old, but it also develops a number of dental problems. Some of them develop misaligned jaws, loss of teeth, and other not so great diseases that make it difficult for them to chew kibble.
Whether your pet is old or just has dental issues, switching to canned foods will let them eat in comfort.
These Foods are More Filing
If your dog or cat is gaining a lot of weight, you may think of scaling back on calories. Wet foods can be an excellent solution to this problem.
Its high moisture content helps your pet to become satiated without having a large amount of food. This is also quite helpful if your pet is constantly hungry.
Get The Best of Both
Some pet parents prefer to feed their pets with a mixture of both dry and canned foods. Both types contain the nutrients essential for your pet's health, mixing them may provide your pet with the best of both worlds.
There are various ways you can feed your pet. You can mix both the dry and canned foods or give either dry or wet at a particular time.
Some pet owners also choose to give their pet wet food as a treat. No matter which way you choose, you need to be very careful while mixing them.
Also, if you compare a serving of dry food with a serving of wet food, they are drastically different when it comes to taking up space in a bowl. Be careful with that when you're feeding them as well. Looks can be deceiving.
Final Thoughts
Whether you feed your pet with dry or canned food totally depends on their health condition, age, and their preference. No matter which one you choose to feed your pet, always go for a brand that provides a high-quality diet.
Both wet and dry foods are capable of fulfilling your pet's nutritional requirements. However, it's best to discuss with a veterinarian before starting with a particular one.
Also, do not switch from wet to dry or vice versa without asking your vet as they are the experts.
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