Before You Start Cooking: Homemade Dog Food Needs To Be Balanced
Your homemade meal must contain protein, fiber and carbohydrates. Puppies require about 25 percent protein in their meals, while 18 percent is sufficient for adults. However, protein needs change according to your dogs age and vary according to breed, so check with your vet regarding the right amount for your dog. You might have noticed that commercial dog foods often dont list the percentage of carbohydrates. Thats because the proper percentage of carbs in the dogs diet is still not set in stone by the veterinary community and regulators. If youre making Fidos meals yourself, you have the freedom to purchase the freshest, highest-quality ingredients available. Make sure you weigh your dog frequently to verify he stays a healthy weight. Take your dog to the vet before starting the homemade diet so your vet can determine Fidos ideal weight.
Petsradar’s Pick Of The Best Wet Dog Food
- Best overall wet dog food: Hills Science Diet Wet Dog Food
- Best budget wet dog food: Pedigree Choice Cuts in Gravy Adult Wet Dog Food Variety Packs
- Best grain-free wet dog food: Nutro Cuts in Gravy
- Best low-fat wet dog food: Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Gastrointestinal Low Fat Canned Dog Food
- Best nutrient-rich wet dog food: Purina ONE SmartBlend True Instinct Adult Canned Wet Dog Food
- Best wet dog food for picky eaters: Cesar Soft Wet Dog Food Classic Loaf in Sauce Filet Mignon Flavor Multipack
- Best wet dog food variety pack: Blue Buffalo Homestyle Recipe Natural Adult Wet Dog Food
Hills seems at pains to emphasize its credentials, what with the inclusion of the words Science Diet in the product title. Indeed, with it also being #1 Veterinarian Recommended , this could be described as the thinking persons wet dog food of choice.
But theres a lot more to it than that. Combining high-quality natural ingredients with an infusion of protein and Vitamin E for keeping their skin and coat healthy, you can be guaranteed that your dog will enjoy the great taste that accompanies their good health. Moreover, the moderate levels of sodium and phosphorus present ensures kidney and heart health.
So in short, we can see few downsides to trying this out. With numerous flavors to choose from, you can rest assured that this will supply your dog with everything they need from a nutritional standpoint.
What Are The Differences Between Wet And Dry Food
Your pooch relies on your choice in finding the best food that will meet their nutritional requirements. Dry food has some advantages over wet food. It is healthier for your canines teeth as chewing kibble helps reduce plaque and it also gives your pup fresh breath.Dog dental chews can be used as a dietary supplement to avoid stinky dog breath, too. Dry food is easier to keep as it doesnt have to be in the fridge, and your hairy friends can have it in their bowl the whole day. Many dog owners prefer dry food because its economical.
Wet food is much more expensive than dry food. If we compare canned food to kibble, the former
It consists of 70 and 85% water, which is mixed with dry food. Canned food doesnt contain artificial flavorings because its tastier than dry food. Higher levels of protein and fat contribute to its better taste.
It also contains fewer carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are used to hold the kibble together. When you see cereals such as corn or wheat listed in the first three ingredients on the back of the package, it means they weigh the most. Canned food doesnt need many carbohydrates, and dogs digest it with ease. If you own a puppy or a senior dog, who has trouble with chewing dry foods, or has a smaller mouth, get them canned food. Just be carefuleating too much canned food could cause dental issues
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Best Adult Wet Dog Food
Wet food is particularly appealing to dogs. Pet parents often like it for this reason, and it may be a good option for picky eaters who turn their nose up to kibble. Wet food also has a long shelf life when unopened.
We selected wet foods that meet the same AAFCO complete and balanced standards that apply to dry food. However, wet food generally contains more protein and fat and fewer carbohydrates, so be sure to talk to your veterinarian before switching your dog to a wet diet, especially if they have trouble digesting a lot of protein or fat.
Although the same standards apply to dry and wet food, it can be hard to compare their labels. Dry kibble has very little moisture, while canned food contains a lot of water. To read a wet food label, you need to look at the percentages of protein, fat, and fiber on a “dry matter basis.” Cummings Veterinary Medical Center at Tufts University offers instructions so you can calculate them yourself. You can also call the food manufacturer or ask your veterinarian for help. For the foods we recommend, we contacted the manufacturer.
When shopping, be on the lookout for wet dog food that is 100% meat. More protein might seem like a good thing, but these foods are for supplemental feeding only. “Dogs have evolved from wolves to become obligate omnivores,” says Dodds. This means that they need more than just meat in their diet. Small amounts of meat-only wet foods can make tasty meal toppers for your dog’s complete and balanced dry food.
Can I Feed My Dog Just Wet Food
A lot of dogs find canned dog food to be more palatable than dry food. So if your dog turns his nose up at kibble, you may want to try giving him a wet dog food instead. Whether you feed your dog wet dog food every day or just as an occasional treat, you know your dog is getting all the nutrients he needs.
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Best Vet Recommended Cat Food: Top 6 Brands Reviewed
The best vet-recommended cat food is more than a prestigious label. Its species-appropriate, made by a trustworthy company, and, if its a prescription food, keeps its therapeutic promises.
Because it has so many benefits for underweight or sickly cats, weve chosen Hills Prescription Diet a/d as the overall best vet-recommended food. In addition to Hills Prescription Diet, weve reviewed four other vet-recommended cat food brands and chosen top recipes from each.
Before we get into the reviews, lets take a critical look at the world of vet-recommended food. Well explore which brands vets recommend, learn what makes vet-recommended food special, and talk to vets about which foods they recommend.
The Health Status And Medical History
As I mentioned in the introduction, certain dogs can have food allergies and/or stomach sensitivities. Some ingredients in dog food, such as corn or wheat, may trigger these problems. But there is good news as well: some brands prepare foods specifically designed for dogs with allergy or stomach sensitivity. However, you have to be careful while making a choice, because some dog food brands arent exactly truthful while selling their products.
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How Old Is Your Dog
Puppy food often contains additional nutrients like DHA and extra calories to fuel a puppys brain development and high growth rate. However, if theyre fed puppy food for too long, they can gain too much weight.
Toy and small breeds that weigh less than 30 pounds usually mature at nine to 12 months old. Medium-sized dogs that weigh between 30 and 80 pounds at maturity typically reach their full-grown size in 12 to 16 months. Large breeds typically take about 24 months to reach maturity. After that, theyre ready for adult dog food.
Not all dogs need senior dog food. Senior dogs may have health issues like diabetes or heart disease that benefit from a modified diet. Senior dog foods often have a lower calorie content to help control weight. However, if your senior dog isnt overweight and doesnt have additional health problems, hell probably get the right nutrition from an adult wet dog food.
Wet Dog Food Benefits
The price of wet dog food might be a bit higher than dry kibblebut the benefits of switching to a wet food diet might be worth it for certain pet parents and their dogs. Here are a few benefits that come with switching to a wet food diet or mixing wet and dry dog food:
Great for preventing dehydration: Wet dog food is great for dogs who are dehydrated. If your dog is not drinking enough water, wet food will help increase their water intake, explains Dr. Sara Ochoa, a small animal veterinarian. For many dogs with kidney or urinary issues, I will recommend they switch to wet dog food to help increase their water intake.
Helpful for dogs with a low appetite: Most wet dog foods are healthy and filled with quality ingredients that you can see and smell, says Jones. This is one of the reasons wet dog foods are so popular with owners who have dogs with poor appetites.
Lasts for a very long time: Wet dog food has a long shelf life and can often last for years when cannedthis makes for a great option to store in the pantry to ensure you always have food on hand or to buy in bulk to cut some of the cost of wet food.
Easy to ensure high-quality protein: According to Jones, wet dog food is generally rich in quality meat proteins and less likely to contain the same number of additives that certain dry foods do.
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Whats The Safest Way To Switch My Dog To New Food
There may be multiple reasons for which you may need to switch your dog to some different food. Most often, it is linked to a newly-discovered health condition or an allergy, but it can also depend on the dogs age, breed, size, etc. However, even when youre changing to the right diet, you may do some harm if you dont think this through.
It is important to do it gradually, step by step, to avoid upsetting your dogs stomach or unsettling the dog. Day by day, decrease the amount of old food and increase the amount of new food. Remember always to feed your dog the proper amount, and not to get confused while mixing.
If you want to switch a puppy to adult food , talk to your veterinarian first to be sure that the dog receives all the necessary nutrients and calories.
Purina: One Smartblend Tender Cuts In Gravy Chicken & Brown Rice Entree Adult
Top Ingredients: Chicken and Turkey Broth, Chicken, Liver, Wheat Gluten, Meat By-Products, Brown Rice
Most dogs love this delicious blend of meat, grains, and vegetables. Purina One Smart Blend Chicken and Brown Rice is a powerful boost of nutrients. It has quality proteins for your pooch along with essential vitamins A and E. Rice adds a savory texture and enhances the taste of the gravy. You get plenty of antioxidants to keep the immune system running. You also get all the essential minerals such as Zinc and selenium for your pooch.
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Guide To Mixing Wet And Dry Dog Food
Mixing wet and dry dog food is another option that may provide the best of both worlds. However, it is very important to ensure you are still providing the proper daily feeding amount to prevent overfeeding.
The best way to do this is to have your local vet calculate your furry friends daily calorie requirements for maintenance. Then you can calculate how much dry and wet food your dog should have each day to reach that number of caloriesand dont forget to factor in any calories from treats.
A Couple Of Easy Ways To Cook Dog Food
If you’re cooking the meat instead of leaving it raw, I recommend cooking it a couple of different ways.
The first is to simmer it in water in a pot on the stove. Then mix the cooking water with the food and you’ll end up with a stew-like bowl for your puppy.
You’ll always want to overcook the grains you choose so that it is easily digestible. Some veterinarians now feel grains should be limited, so check with your pet on his particular nutritional needs.
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Wellness Natural Food For Dogs
Wellness Natural Food for Dogs is one of the most popular brands. I recommend this brand for you if you are a health nut who wants to find affordable yet safe and healthy commercial products, both the best dry, and wet dog foods. The company produces whole-food-based nutrition with the right balance of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, as well as a good boost of antioxidants and probiotics for healthier digestion.
Wellness brings together carefully sourced natural ingredients. These ingredients are formulated to promote growth, maintenance, and provision for individual needs. Besides, Wellness prepares meals for a healthy weight, for different ages, for food allergies, for a sensitive stomach, and more. It is incredible that this brand is one of the cheapest in the market.
Wet Dog Foods Buyers Guide
As I said earlier, there are tons of canned dog foods out there and they can all seem like a great option. Keeping in mind that its easier to get your dog to eat what they prefer, go for something your buddy really seems to enjoy. Something that will have a positive impact on your dogs physical health, energy levels, and overall well being.
These are just a few of the indicators that show the product is working for your pooch.
However:
When you are out there with the intention of finding something better or the best, you need to put your thinking cap on and read between the labels to make the best decision.
First, we need to settle whether your dog needs wet food of not.
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Factors To Consider When Selecting The Ideal Wet Dog Food
Choosing the right food for a canine friend is an important responsibility. You want to make sure you find a food that they not only enjoy, but that will also deliver the nutrients they need to live a long and healthy life. Since all wet foods on the market are not the same, youll want to take time to carefully compare the various options out there. Use the features we highlighted below to help you with your search.
Best Wet Dog Food For Puppies
- Formulated in the United States
Things to Consider
- The formula is quite clumpy and can be hard to serve
Sample buyer review: This product was recommended by our vet. My honey was at the hospital because she wasnt eating well. Her sugar dropped so she ended up having a seizure. This product has really helped her. She loves it and shes been gaining weight. I can tell she feels better and has even more energy!
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Nom Nom Fresh Wet Dog Food
Nom Nom is a leader in a new wave of pet companies devoted to producing fresh, ultra premium wet dog food. You can think of it as high-end food delivery for your dog. Ingredients that go into each small batch are human grade, restaurant quality, and all cooked in the USA. The food is then cold packed and delivered fresh to your door, rather than in a can.
Key Features:
- Fresh wet dog food thats delivered to your door every 2-4 weeks
- All recipes are formulated by a board certified veterinary nutritionist
- Complete and balanced diet for adult dogs meets AAFCO standard for adult maintenance.
- Available in beef, chicken, pork, and turkey varieties
- Guaranteed analysis for the beef recipe: Crude Protein , Crude Fat , Crude Fiber , Moisture
Pros:
- Delivered to your door cold-packed and fresh, not canned
- High quality, restaurant grade ingredients
- Cooked in small batches for flavor and consistency
- Nom Nom has a short quiz to tailor the food to your dog based on breed, age, size, and health.
Cons:
- Quality means a much higher price Nom Nom was the most expensive option we looked at
Downsides To Wet Dog Food
While there are a bunch of great things about wet dog food, its not without its flaws.
Generally wet food is logistically more difficult for owners to store and feed since it has to be refrigerated after the can is opened, Dr. Bustamante said. Feeding wet food is much messier compared to dry food.
Plus, it might not be the best option if youre on a budget.
Wet food is usually more expensive since it has more water content and less calories per volume, Dr. Bustamante explained.
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The Best Wet Dog Food
Finding the best wet dog food among the wide range of choices is an overwhelming task. Narrow the field by determining which factors are the most important for your dogage, size, activity level, and medical conditions. Once youve narrowed it down, you can choose organic, pouch, canned, or a subscription service for the freshest meals.
How To Look For High
When deciding the type of wet food, its important to purchase only high-quality products. All commercial dog foods have certain standards, but premium brands will likely have higher quality standards. At a bare minimum, check for the Association of American Feed Control Officials complete and balanced label. But even this label doesnt guarantee youre getting a product with top-notch ingredients.
The first step is knowing where to shop. The second is knowing how to read the labels on wet dog food packaging and ingredient lists.
Online
When searching for pet food online, its a good idea to consult product reviews, particularly those from veterinarians and verified customers . Comprehensive buying guides such as this one are also valuable, but be sure to look for statements about whether blogs are sponsored by a brand of dog food, as this can affect their ratings. As a note, PetListed does not accept any brand solicitations, so all of our recommendations here are independent.
Grocery & Pet Stores
When searching in grocery or pet stores, learn how to read the aisles. Typically, higher-priced, higher-quality items will be placed at or above eye level , while lower-quality goods are stocked lower on the shelves. With the amount of options, your pet store may even have a dedicated section for natural and/or premium dog food. Start your search in these areas.
Your Vets Office
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