Which Food Is Better: Wet Food or Dry Food?

Today’s pet owners have the opportunity to feed their furry friends a variety of foods. From canned and dry kibble, to freeze-dried treats and fresh fruits and vegetables, there is something for every taste. However, feeding your pet a variety of foods can be confusing. If you’re wondering which food is better: wet or dry? Keep reading for more information on different types of pet food, pros and cons of each type as well as some general guidelines for what type of food is best for your pet.

What’s the Difference Between Wet and Dry Food?

Wet food is fresh food that has been prepared and stored in water. The primary benefit of wet food is that your pet can eat it immediately because it’s raw and fresh. The downside of wet food is that your pet has to consume water in order to eat it. Dry food, on the other hand, is food that has been cooked and then dried. Dry food can be either raw or cooked and provides your pet with the essential nutrients they need in a more efficient way because it’s not diluted with water.

Types of Pet Food

Canned food: Canned food is simply dehydrated food that has been boiled and then sealed in a can. It’s a great option for pets who aren’t allowed to eat fresh foods due to allergies. Variety is a key feature of canned foods. You can choose from brands that specialize in allergy-friendly foods, or you can simply choose based on your own personal preference.

Freeze-dried food: This type of diet is dehydrated and then reconstituted with water. It’s a great option for a pet who is recovering from an illness or surgery because it’s easier to digest than kibble and it tastes better than canned foods.

Raw food: Raw food is simply meat and/or vegetables that have not been processed in any way. Owners who feed raw food often report that their pets have healthier coats, fewer body issues and better digestion. However, raw diets can be dangerous for your pet if done incorrectly. Consult with a veterinarian before transitioning your pet to a raw diet.

Dry Food Pros

– Easier to Digest: Pet food manufacturers are always trying to provide the most nutrients efficiently in the least amount of time possible. Because of this, many dry dog foods provide extra ingredients that help your dog’s digestive system break down the food more easily. For example, rumen-boosting ingredients help to increase the amount of saliva your dog produces while chewing, which can lead to better digestion.

– Greater Variety: Since dry foods are either made from scratch or reconstituted, you have a greater variety to choose from. This can help to prevent your pet from getting bored with their diet and encourage them to eat healthy snacks between meals.

– Less Expensive: Dry food is often cheaper than canned food and wet food. However, it’s important to keep in mind that dry food is more expensive per pound if you have multiple pets eating from the same bowl.

Dry Food Cons

– Not as Fresh: Dry food is usually made from either a dry ingredient or a dry recipe. When compared to wet and fresh foods, dry ingredients are not as fresh and may be older than other foods. This means that when your pet consumes dry foods, they need to drink more water to get hydrated. Dry food is usually made from either a dry ingredient or a dry recipe.

– Expensive: Dry foods are often more expensive than other options. This price can add up if you feed your pet multiple times per day.

Wet Food Pros

– Fresh Food: Wet foods are simply dehydrated and then mixed with water. This means that your pet can eat them immediately because they’re fresh. Wet foods are simply dehydrated and then mixed with water. This means that your pet can eat them immediately because they’re fresh.

– No Drinking Water Necessary: Dry food has the biggest drawback when it comes to consuming water, but wet food is still much more water-intensive than dry.

– Better Nutrient Profiles: Wet foods contain more water than dry foods, so the food is less concentrated. This means that your pet receives a more complete diet since less ingredients are wasted.

Wet Food Cons

– Highly Water-Consuming: Like dry foods, wet foods are also more expensive per pound than their dry counterparts. Wet food is more water-intensive and requires your pet to consume more water to get hydrated.

– Significantly Larger Portion Requirements: Pet owners who choose wet foods for their pets need to be aware that it requires significantly larger portion sizes than dry foods. Pet owners who choose wet foods for their pets need on average 5 – 10 times the amount of water than dry foods. This can be a challenge for some pet parents, especially if they have a busy schedule and forget to drink enough water throughout the day.

Bottom line

While the pros and cons of both wet and dry pet foods are noteworthy, the most common diet type for dogs is dry food. The most popular wet food is canned fish, but wet foods can come from either meat or poultry. If you want to feed your pet the best diet, it’s important to consider the type of food that’s right for them.

Photo by MART PRODUCTION: https://www.pexels.com/photo/dog-food-in-a-stainless-steel-bowl-8434641/