What About Raw Meat
Supplementing raw meat into your dog’s diet is fine, but only if it is very fresh. The reasoning behind feeding raw meat is usually to mirror your dog’s natural diet, but remember that meat from the shops is not the same as freshly hunted meat. Meat from the butcher has been processed in an abbatoir, and often transported for days before being sold.
If you really want to feed raw meat, best to go for a freeze-dried option, such as K9 Natural or Ziwi.
Best Dog Food For Small And Large Breeds
Small breed dogs and large breed dogs have different nutritional needs. Large breed dogs are more prone to musculoskeletal problems than smaller breeds, and so they often require large-breed dog food with different balances of certain nutrients to promote musculoskeletal health, especially as puppies. Small breed dogs, on the other hand, can choke on large-sized kibble and have their own nutritional requirements that can be accommodated with a small-breed dog food. Research your dogs breed to find out if there are any additional nutritional requirements you should be aware of.
How Often Should I Give My Dog Wet Food
I dont know how often ornifed wet food? Make sure you give two to three 3 oz cans of food to your dog three times a day and at each event you divide the meals into two meals. If your dogs ideal body condition requires further adjustment, adjust the amount according to it. An extra 1-1/4 cups of wet dog food is replaced by approximately the same amount of dry food in a 3 oz can.
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Is A Combination Of Wet And Dry Food Possible
Since both wet and dry food offer different advantages, the obvious conclusion would be that the best thing is to simply feed dogs a combination of the two. In principle there’s nothing against this, but you shouldn’t mix the two types of food and should always serve them at different times. Due to wet food’s high energy content, you should also make sure that the daily intake isn’t exceeded despite switching between wet and dry food.
When it comes to dogs that have a tendency to develop digestive problems, their owners should ideally choose just one type of food, because the to-and-fro between wet and dry food can lead to diarrhoea or constipation for sensitive stomachs. In general, combining the two types of food offers no advantages for the dog’s health, since both varieties allow it consume all vital substances. So if you’ve established that your dog likes the taste of one particular food and tolerates it well, feel free to stick with it!
What Are The Pros And Cons Of Dry Dog Food
Dry dog food – generally referred to as ‘kibble’ – remains the foundation for the dog food industry, and has a number of advantages:
- Kibble is by far the easiest to feed and to portion-manage.
- It is an excellent choice for dogs that prefer to graze because the total daily portion can be measured into the bowl in the morning, and then offered at specific mealtimes throughout the day.
- It comes in many sizes and shapes, so you can choose one that your dog prefers. Some very big dogs prefer very tiny kibble!
- Kibble lends itself well to food toys or interactive feeders that either move about and dispense kibbles intermittently or are stationary and make the dog work for its food. Food toys can be just as entertaining for the humans as they are for the dogs!
Work with your veterinarian to determine the calorie content of the kibble you have chosen in order to determine an appropriate daily portion.
“It is a myth that dogs need variety in their food choices.”
It is a myth that dogs need a variety in their food choices. Consistency is generally best. Once you find a nutrient profile that agrees with your dog, or one that has been prescribed by your veterinarian, stick with it. Your veterinarian will recommend food changes based on changing nutritional needs as your dog ages and his body changes.
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How Is Dry Dog Food Processed
Dry food contains very similar ingredients, but instead of adding gravy and canning the product, the meat mixture is pulverized in order to create a consistent dough that can be cooked.
Once cooked, the dough is extruded through specifically shaped holes to form kibble. The kibble undergoes a drying process, and then is sprayed with fats, oils, vitamins, and minerals and packaged before the fats and oils can spoil.
Some dry dog food diets also add live probiotics to aid in digestive and immune health.
What Is The Healthiest Dog Food For Senior Dogs
- Nutro Wholesome Essentials Senior Farm-Raised Chicken, Brown Rice & Sweet Potato Recipe.
- The Farmers Dog.
- Royal Canin Small Aging Wet Dog Food.
- Diamond Naturals Senior Formula Dry Dog Food.
- Hills Science Diet Adult 7+ Savory Stew With Beef & Vegetables.
- Nom Nom.
- Wellness Stews Canned Dog Food.
- The Farmers Dog Fresh Dog Food.
- Instinct Original Wet Dog Food.
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An Overlooked Dog Food Option
Canned dog food. That was it. Bailey wouldnt eat the kibble. But he sure did love that wet food.
So, I decided to learn more about canned dog food. I knew Bailey liked it. And he liked it a lot more than he liked kibble.
But I had to be sure if it was OK for him to eat. After all, Id always heard that canned dog food wasnt as good for dogs as kibble.
What Are The Benefits Of Wet Food For Puppies
Wet food is a great choice for young puppies. Those who have only just developed their teeth and transitioned to solid foods can find it difficult to chew and swallow, so dry food can be a challenge. Because of its meaty texture and fragrant smell, this form of food can also appeal to fussy eaters.
For greedy or overweight dogs, wet food can also be a good choice as it has half the calories of a bowl of dry food.
The high moisture content also helps make sure your puppy takes in plenty of fluids, which can decrease the risk of urinary tract infections.
Dry food, on the other hand, packs a lot of nutrition into a much smaller package. Given you will be feeding your puppy around four meals a day up until the age of 4 months, this generally making it better value for money.
With its low water content, you can also store a lot more dry food in a small space, a real help if you have a large dog or a small flat!
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Whats The Difference Anyway
The biggest difference between dry and wet food for dogs is moisture, with dry food averaging only 5-10% water content, and cans containing 75-85% water.
Also, in general, kibble contains more carbohydrates than wet food. Carbohydrates are a necessary component for the cooking process.
On average, canned food also contains a higher percentage of protein and fat. However, the numbers vary depending on brand, recipe, or formulation.
Choosing The Best Dog Food
The best dog food for your dog is ultimately up to you to decide. As an owner, you are the one who sees your dog on a regular basis. If your dog produces firm, healthy stool, is active and fit, and has a healthy appetite, then your dog food is probably working just fine.
Your veterinarian is a valuable resource to you during this process. They know more about pet nutrition than the average owner, and they also have access to research and resources that owners do not have. Your vet can help you narrow down your options and should be more than happy to help you find the answers to your questions about your dogs food.
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Transitioning From Dry To Wet Dog Food
Although kittens often start on wet food, puppies typically start with a high-quality dry food kibble. However, sometimes our pups dont love the dry options we are providing them. As our dogs age, they may also need the transition to a softer food option. No matter the reason, if youre looking to switch up meal time offerings, trying wet dog food can be a great choice.
There are some considerations with wet dog food. Wet food is a great way to keep your dog hydrated due to the moisture content. This can help aid your dogs digestion and overall health. Most dogs also prefer wet food to dry because of the texture and the flavorful taste. You do want to ensure you choose a high-quality, natural wet dog food option to avoid unnecessary fillers or excess calories in your dog’s meals. To help keep your pup’s teeth clean while feeding wet food, work in a natural daily dog dental chewy like WHIMZEES.
When transitioning your dog to wet food, introduce the food slowly. Just like humans, sometimes new foods can upset our stomachs. Add a little wet food each day to your dogs bowl while slowly reducing the amount of kibble. Within a week, you should have fully transitioned to their new diet.
The Benefits Of Dry Dog Food
Dry dog food is packed with nutrients, and well known for being:
- Convenient: Measured portions of dry food can be left out all day for a dog to eat at their own pace without worry of it spoiling.
- Economical: Dry dog food can be less expensive to buy in bulk and store than wet dog food.
- An aid in cleaning teeth: Some dog foods are formulated to reduce plaque, stain, and tartar buildup as the kibble is designed to scrape away these buildups on your dog’s teeth.
- Enriching environment: Dry foods are often easier to use in food puzzle toys which can be beneficial in entertaining your dog while you are at work, and controlling food intake for those “eager eaters”. Since your dog is not hunting for supper, the mental stimulation of getting food from puzzle toys can improve their quality of life.
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Benefits Of Wet Dog Food Compared To Dry Dog Food
Wet dog food, or canned food, sometimes provides benefits that dry food doesnt offer, such as:
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Higher moisture content: Wet food may be a good choice if your dog doesnt drink as much as they should, or if they have a medical condition that could benefit from proper hydration. One example would be a dog with a history of urinary or kidney disease.
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Palatability: Canned dog food is often more aromatic and flavorful when compared to dry food. This may entice sick or older dogs to eat if their appetite is decreased.
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Satiety: Wet dog food tends to create a longer-lasting feeling of being full. Increased satiety is useful in weight management, especially in dogs that seem to have a never-ending appetite.
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Easier to chew: Dogs that have dental disease or other oral abnormalities may find wet food easier to chew than dry food.
Wet Food For Puppies: To Grain Or Not To Grain
As mentioned above, grain-free puppy food is another potential factor to consider. Some owners prefer grain-free as it is believed to be closer to the traditionally carnivorous Canis genus diet and can be easier on a dogs digestive system, especially if your dog has grain allergies or sensitivities.
However, grain-free diets have been potentially linked to heart issues in canines by the FDA, so its best to check with your veterinarian before switching or starting your dog on one. Single, whole-grain dog food is another potential option and it is exactly what it sounds like: dog food made with a single whole grain .
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Pros Of Mixing Wet And Dry Dog Food
Many people like to mix both wet and dry dog food to give their dogs some variety in their meals and there are many benefits to this practice.
Feeding a mixture is more cost-effective than feeding an all canned food diet, but it still provides some enticement at mealtime for picky eaters. It also helps to increase the amount of moisture a dog consumes which can be beneficial for dogs with specific issues like kidney disease or bladder stones.
Mixing both dry and wet food also still provides crunchy kibble to promote dental health.
How Long Does Canned Food Last After Opening
Most canned food is safe to use two to seven days after opening, depending on the food, according to Purdue University Extension. Foods such as fish last just two days, while canned fruit is good for a week. Store opened cans in the refrigerator and take other safety precautions to avoid contamination.
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Best Dog Food For Puppies
The nutritional needs of dogs vary throughout their life. Puppies have different nutritional needs than adult dogs, and senior dogs have their own nutritional considerations. Most dog food companies carry specially formulated puppy foods for each stage of a dogs life, making it easier to narrow down your choices. If you are concerned about which is the best dog food for your dogs life stage, consult your veterinarian to see what stage food is appropriate for your dog.
Your puppy requires a different nutrient balance than an adult dog. This is especially true for large breeds. Feeding a large breed puppy food can help, as their growth needs to be monitored carefully to prevent bone and joint problems. Other puppies do well on both puppy food and food labeled for all life stages. The best food for your puppy depends on your puppys size and breed. Always consult your veterinarian for recommendations on puppy feeding, and advice on how to switch puppies to adult dog food.
Feeding Tips For Your Dog
You can choose to feed exclusively dry food, or exclusively canned food.
Many pups enjoy a combination of both
- Use canned food as a treat alongside your dogs kibble-based diet.
- Or, use canned food as a topper, added directly to dry food to make it more palatable for picky eaters
Regardless of what you choose, remember to focus on quality and feed an appropriate amount to maintain your pups weight
When you feed your dog, its a special time for bonding between you and your pet and when you know youre taking care of their health needs, youll have the peace of mind to fully enjoy that bonding experience with your canine companion.
From our family to yours,Fromm Family Pet Food
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Wet Food Provides Comfort During Dental Pain
We often think of dental problems as striking elderly dogs, but the truth is, periodontal disease strikes 85% of dogs by the time they turn 5 years old. During treatment and recovery, a switch to a softer canned diet helps afflicted dogs eat in comfort. Meanwhile, discover more about the prevention and treatment of canine dental problems.
Benefits Of Dry Dog Food
Dry dog food is more cost-effective, lasts longer once it is opened, and is easier to feed and store than wet food. Dry food can also help to keep a dog’s teeth clean by scraping off plaque as the food is chewed.
It is widely accessible, doesn’t need special storage once it is opened like canned food requires, and comes in a variety of dry kibble shapes, textures, flavors, and sizes.
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Summary: What Do We Ultimately Recommend
The optimum diet for most pets will be a combination of wet and dry foods. That said, so long as your dog drinks enough water, a solely dry food diet is fine. A solely wet food diet is only acceptable if you have great dental care on board, such as 6 monthly scale and polish procedures at your vet, or daily tooth brushing. Read more about gold standard Dental Care for dogs.
The Truth About Dog Foodand Dental Health
Now, I know it looks like Ive forgotten to mention how kibble can be better for your dogs teeth than canned food.
But my own professional background makes that silly rumor difficult to accept.
Find out for yourself. Be sure to read Dry Dog Food and the Myth of Cleaner Teeth to learn the surprising truth.
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My Puppy Is Begging Should I Feed Him People Food Or Table Scraps
One little French fry will invariably lead to another, and another. Before long, an obese dog will be crowding you off the love seat. Also, a steady diet of table scraps can create a nutritional imbalance, and certain ingredients and spices in your favorite dishes can cause upset stomach in dogs.
The pleading gaze of a begging dog can be irresistible. This is no accident. During his long partnership with man, the dog has perfected cunning methods of exploiting the human habit of associating food with affection. In prehistoric times semi-domesticated canines first cultivated human beings as a food provider. As the two species grew closer, dogs modified begging behaviors to maximize results: The more pathetic a dog seemed, the more scraps were tossed his way. Dogs have since refined this approach into a low-risk, high-reward hunting technique.
But dont be fooled: Begging is not an emotional crisis or a test of your love. Its what scientists might call an evolutionary survival strategy, or what the rest of us might call a scam. Allowing your dog to guilt you into overfeeding him, or serving him a steady diet of table scraps in a misguided show of affection, can have harmful or even fatal results.