How To Feed Pedigree Dentastix
Is Wet Or Dry Food Better For Sick Dogs
You should feed your sick dog wet food for several reasons. Your dog will need more nutrients to make up for any vitamins or minerals lost through vomit or diarrhea. Additionally, a sick dog may lose its appetite. Offering your pet some wet food will be far more tempting and appealing than a bowl of dry kibble. Therefore, try feeding your sick dog wet food.
How To Paw Through The Nutrition Label
Reading pet food labels can be complicated, Whittenburg says. Marketing is a huge force in pet food sales, and it can be hard for even the most educated pet parents to be aware of the tricks of pet food companies.
Be wary of marketing-speak like human-grade, which the pros say really is too good to be true. While the term is supposed to mean the food is free of the 4 Ds: Diseased, Dying, Down, or Dead animals those things are already illegal in dog food, at least in the U.S.
Plus, no food made in a pet food factory is legally classified as human-grade, Simon says.
And no, you really shouldnt eat it even if your fridge is looking pretty empty. It is not food that humans could or should eat! Simon says. We tend to see it more of a marketing ploy than anything else, she says.
Its also pretty tough to read the label without a thorough understanding of dog nutrition, she adds.
In general, though, heres what the pros say is ideal:
Ultimately, though, before pet food shopping, Whittenburg first and foremost recommends visiting your vet. Lets face it theyre experienced. Every pet is different with different nutritional needs, and your vet is the best resource for help with choosing their food.
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Purina One Smartblend Senior Dog Food
Purina ONE SmartBlend is ideal for larger dogs over 50lbs but is suitable for senior dogs of all sizes.
Its main ingredient is chicken and turkey, high-protein options to help support strong muscles and a healthy heart. This is then supported by chicken liver, meat by-products, barley, and oatmeal to support your dogs energy.
Glucosamine is added to maintain good hip and joint health, while a range of vitamins is added to keep your dogs skin and coat healthy.
On top of that, youll find MCTs to promote mental sharpness, keeping them alert and active all day long.
Dont worry about any fillers hiding inside. There are no artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives just complete and balanced nutrition.
Pros
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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Final Verdict On Wet Vs Dry Dog Food:
Both wet dog food and dry dog food are both great choices for your pup. The choice between the two is mostly a matter of diet or taste preference. You should always check with a vet before changing up your dogs diet immediately, especially if they have any sensitivities. Also, if you have a new puppy, its important to consult with a vet about what they need in their food to support growth and maintain health.
If youre looking for a nutritious and new favorite meal for your pup, try a delicious AvoDerm Natural® dog food formula. All of our recipes include omega-rich avocados and avocado oils to ensure your dog has the most best meal possible without any needless additives, preservatives, or ingredients.
Wet Food Is A Treat For Dogs
Most dogs prefer wet food over dry kibblebut the cost of wet food along with a shorter shelf-life means the majority of dogs will be eating dry food. However, that doesnt mean you cant give your dog a treat and turn their dry kibble into wet food every once in a while. Give one of the six methods a try, your dog is going to love you for it!
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Dog Breeds Most At Risk For Diabetes
At this time, researchers have identified a number of dog breeds that appear to have a higher risk of developing canine diabetes. These breeds include:
This doesnt mean that these are the only dog breeds that can develop diabetes. It is important to be aware that all dogs have some level of risk for canine diabetes! Female dogs that are not spayed are twice as likely as male dogs to develop diabetes. Similarly, pregnant female dogs can develop temporary diabetes symptoms, similar to pregnant human moms.
Is Wet Food Everyday Bad For Dogs
Wet food often contains more fat than dry food. This may be too much fat for some dogs, particularly those predisposed to pancreatitis or sensitive to fatty foods. Wet food may increase tartar buildup on a dogs teeth faster than dry food. This will be more noticeable if a dental care routine is not already in place.
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Pros And Cons Of Dry Dog Food
There are also pros and cons related to dry dog food:
Pros
- Dry dog food is generally considered less expensive than wet dog food.
- Dry dog food or kibbles are extremely convenient. They are shelf-stable, easy to travel with, and can be purchased in large quantities ahead of time.
- Some dry dog foods can help to clean your dogs teeth by disrupting the formation of plaque and tartar. Whether dry kibble is effective for your dogs teeth depends on the type of kibble and the structure of the dogs face.
Cons
- The main con of dry dog food is that it might not be as tasty to some discerning dogs.
Whats Good About Wet Food
Although dry food might be a more popular choice, some owners will choose to feed their dog a wet diet to improve palatability and give their dog an added hydration boost. As wet food has a rich, meaty aroma, picky dogs can be more enticed to eat their meals. In the case of those pets that may not be getting enough water throughout the day, wet food can provide them with additional hydration because of its high moisture content.
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The Pros And Cons Of Mixing Wet And Dry Dog Food
Getty Images/Jaromir Chalabala / EyeEm
Dog food options abound when you walk into a pet store and while there are fresh, frozen, and even freeze-dried options, the most common types of food you will find are either dry kibbles or canned, wet dog foods.
Some dog owners will mix both kinds of food for various reasons. It is helpful to know the benefits of both kinds of food individually as well as whether mixing them negates these benefits so that you can provide the best diet for your dog.
Three Reasons To Mix It Up At Mealtime
1. Win-Win for Everyone: Dogs get the tasty food they crave while Pet Parents feel good knowing their best pals nutritional needs are being met. Wet food provides hydration benefits and flavor enhancement, while dry food carries crunch appeal and tartar removal benefits while chewing.
2. Menu Variety: Just like us, some dogs dont want the same meal repeated every day. By mixing wet and dry food, the menu options increase and make mealtime more exciting.
3. Money Savings: Mixing wet dog food into dry or using it as a tasty topper boosts flavor while cutting down on the amount of kibble used. Mealtime becomes more appetizing for your pup as you cut costs.
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How Much Canned Dog Food Equals Dry Food
It is generally recommended to feed a dog a combination of both dry and wet food, as each type has its own benefits. However, if you are trying to determine how much canned food to feed your dog in place of dry food, it can be a bit tricky as the serving sizes and nutritional content of each can vary greatly.
One general rule of thumb is that 1 cup of dry dog food is equivalent to approximately 3-4 cans of wet food. However, this can vary depending on the specific brand and type of food. It is important to always read the label on both the dry and wet food to determine the recommended serving size and nutritional content.
Some tips for feeding canned dog food:
- Mix the canned food with a small amount of dry food to make it more palatable and to help clean your dogs teeth.
- Avoid overfeeding your dog as this can lead to weight gain and other health issues.
- Canned food should be stored in the refrigerator once opened and should be discarded after a few days to prevent spoilage.
- Choose a high-quality canned food that contains real meat as the first ingredient and does not contain any fillers or artificial preservatives.
Is Wet Or Dry Food Better For Puppies
Wet and dry food are both suitable for puppies as long as you buy a puppy formula. However, if you start your puppy on wet food, you may struggle to switch it to dry food in the future.
Puppies will be far more attracted to the strong smell and taste of wet food, so theyll likely ignore dry food as they get older. Therefore, you should start with dry food before introducing wet.
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Cesar Dog Food Recalls
When it comes to Cesar dog food recalls, theres just one case of such recalls for the company. On October 7, 2016, Mars, Inc. voluntarily recalled certain lots of the Cesar Classics Fillet Mignon wet dog food as a precautionary measure. This was applicable to individually-packaged variants or those that come in variety packs. It was discovered that plastic pieces may have been inadvertently mixed into the formulation of the Filet Mignon which may increase the risk of choking in dogs. Further search for additional Cesar dog food recalls came up empty, suggesting that the brand is doing its best to ensure safe and quality dog food.
What Are The Advantages Of Wet Food
Whilst dry food mainly brings advantages for the owner in terms of price, cleanliness and convenience, the advantages of wet food benefit the dog itself. Most dogs would probably opt for wet food if they could choose themselves, since wet food, more intense in smell and taste, simply tastes better to them. The high water content in particular has a positive effect: since the food already provides the body with a large quantity of liquid, it’s easier to cover a dog’s fluid requirements with wet food than with dry food. Hence, wet food is particularly recommendable for dogs that don’t drink much during the day.
For dogs that have a tendency to become overweight, wet food can also be the better choice at times, provided that the cause of the excess weight is that the dog loves eating. Dogs with a substantial appetite in particular often maintain a lower weight with wet food. Due to the lower energy content per portion, they can eat a great deal without exceeding their calorie requirements.
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Cons Of Mixing Wet And Dry Dog Food
Since wet food is more expensive than dry dog food, mixing the two adds an expense to mealtime in comparison with only feeding dry. It also requires refrigeration of the wet food after it is opened if not all of it is used in one meal. Plus, it can be smellier than dry food alone, creates more waste with the small cans and pouches that house the wet food, and may provide less dental benefits than a strictly dry food diet.
Finally, if a dog doesn’t finish the mixture of dry and wet food within a few hours, the dry kibble will get soggy and the wet food will get crusty and could spoil so it cannot be saved and, consequently, may create more waste.
There is no ‘best’ option when it comes to wet and dry food. Cost, storage, ease of feeding, medical issues, physical restrictions, accessibility of food types, pickiness of the individual dog and more may play into your decision as to whether you feed only wet or dry food or a mixture of both.
Can You Mix Wet And Dry Dog Foods
Yes! Mixing dry and wet dog foods is a good way to boost the caloric content of wet food, while also making dry food more appealing for your dog. A 3oz can of wet food replaces about ¼ of a cup of dry food, so be sure to measure accordingly. Your dog should eat roughly 3%-4% of its weight every day.
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Adult Dry Dog Food For All Breeds
A dogs nutritional requirement differs based on the age group and breed it belongs to. If you have a medium or large dog thats more than a year old, Pedigree® Adult Dry Dog Food is the right recipe for them.
Pedigree® dry adult dog food: This food has been specially made to provide a complete and balanced meal to your dog with 38 essential nutrients. It comes in 4 flavours which include Beef & Vegetables Flavour, Lamb & Vegetables Flavour, Chicken & Vegetables Flavour, as well as Liver & Vegetables Flavour.
What Is Dry Dog Food
Dry dog food contains less than 11% water. The majority of dog food is dry and comes in bags that have a long shelf life. Dry kibble may contain pieces of dried meat, but they don’t have a high water content like canned or pouched food will have. If you walk down the aisle of a pet store, the bags of dog food stacked on the shelves contain dry dog food.
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Wet Food Prevents Dehydration
A dogs body is made of 70% water. This amount is in similar parallel with wet foods, which are also composed of 70% water.
Therefore, every bite of wet food contributes to the proportional demand of the body.
Of course, your dog may need more water, especially when the weather is hot, but wet food is enough to prevent dehydration.
Giving Your Dog The Best Mix
There is no right or wrong when it comes to feeding your dog. What is important is making sure the pet food you choose provides your dog with the right amount of nutrients to meet their needs. At Eukanuba, our super premium dry and wet formulas are all complete and balanced. As wet and dry diets have various individual benefits, mixed feeding can be a solution to satisfy your dog’s needs and also their taste buds.
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What Is Wet Dog Food
Wet dog food contains more than 11% water and is typically sold in a pouch or, more commonly, in tins. It can be a pâté or paste, ground meat, or meat chunks. Wet food usually comes in a gravy, sauce or broth format. Once it is opened, it must be consumed quickly or refrigerated in order to stay fresh for a few days.
What Are The Pros And Cons Of Wet And Dry Foods
Dry Food: Pros easy storage and feeding, more energy dense, lower cost, dental benefits.
Cons lower palatability, more grains, more likely to contain preservatives.
Dry food is by far more convenient and affordable. The food will not spoil if left out. Dry food is also only 10% water. Less water means there is more food per pound supplying your pet with more energy. Larger dogs need more energy than smaller dogs to function hence why larger dogs have a diet primarily dry food. Palatability is the taste and texture that makes the food appealing. Dry food cannot compete with wet food in this area. They have lower taste quality but, if your pet is an over eater dry food may help them not eat as much. Dry food contains a high percentage of grains, this is how it can stay good for longer periods of time. While dogs are able to eat berries, roots, and grasses, their bodies dont digest grains as well. The first two ingredients should be beef, chicken, or lamb. Dry food is easier on teeth because it does not stick to them. Dry food also helps scrape off plaque buildup on teeth as your pet chews.
Wet Food: Pros increased palatability, contains more protein and fat, easier to eat.
Cons contributes to weight gain, spoilage, greater cost, and dental issues.
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