Are there downsides to wet dog food?
Although taunted as being superior to kibble, canned or wet dog food has limitations that every dog owner must be aware of.
Want to find out more on this?
Come with us as we explore this type of dog food and help you decide if it’s the best choice for your dog.
But first,
What is Wet Dog Food?
Wet dog food is typically formulated with a high moisture content of up to 78%. This food is made by first grinding the protein sources or meat ingredients then adding a gravy that contains vitamins, minerals, and grains. When thoroughly mixed, the food is cooked and sterilized to produce the canned product.
Benefits of wet dog food
There are several benefits associated with wet dog food. These include:
- It has a high water content that can help keep dogs hydrated. This is essential for dogs with difficulties drinking water and those with urinary tract infections.
- Thanks to its rich flavor and aroma, it’s more palatable, which makes it ideal for enticing picky eaters.
- It’s easy to chew and eat hence ideal for dogs with dental issues or those recovering from surgeries.
- Wet food can help with weight management as it creates a longer-lasting feeling of fullness.
Despite all these benefits, there are surprising downsides to wet dog food.
Let’s find out more.
Downsides to Wet Dog Food
Canned food may contain unwanted toxins.
The inner side of the cans used to pack wet dog food may contain BPA ( Bisphenol A), a chemical used to make certain plastics and resins. Prolonged exposure to this endocrine-disrupting chemical is linked to serious health issues like increased blood pressure, neurological problems, and even cancer.
Not all the meat included is real meat.
Are you surprised, right? Yes, those visible chunks may not be the real meat. Wet food includes binders that hold the meat together to resemble natural chunks. This may be in wheat gluten or gum, resulting in allergic reactions or causing tummy issues like diarrhea in dogs.
Complex cooking method
Making wet involves a complex process, not merely mixing ingredients and putting them in a can. It involves gathering the raw materials, meat included, then preparing and adding the gravy consisting of vitamins, grains, and minerals, and finally putting in gels and thickeners before sterilizing and packing into cans.
Inclusion of low-quality ingredients
Not all the ingredients included in wet food are high-quality, as most of these include rendered meat and by-products. Others contain unspecified animal organs such as the heart, kidneys, tripe, or liver, but don’t mention the specific animal source.
Increased tartar build-up in dogs
Dogs who feed on wet dog food only have higher chances of getting tartar build-up leading to dental issues, especially if a proper dental care routine isn’t put in place.
Is Wet food good for dogs every day?
Yes, it’s okay to feed your dog wet dog food every day as long as it’s nutritionally complete and high-quality.
Do vets recommend dry or wet dog food?
Both wet and dry food can provide adequate nutrition to your dog. Thus vets recommend that you for what works for your dog depending on his condition, tastes, and preference.
Read our article on Wet or Dry Dog Food – Which One Is Better for French Bulldog?
Is it good to mix wet and dry dog food?
Yes, it’s fine to mix wet and dry dog food as long as they are both high quality and capable of meeting your dog’s nutritional requirements and other health needs.
Do dogs poop less on wet food?
Yes, a good quality wet dog food can help dogs poop less. This is because wet foods are easily digestible due to their high moisture content.
How often should dogs have wet food?
This depends on a dog’s weight, age, and body condition. However, adults dogs should have wet food twice a day, while puppies can have 3-4 meals of wet food daily.
Does wet food cause diarrhea in dogs?
Yes, wet food can cause diarrhea in dogs if the diet change is made abruptly or suddenly. Additionally, some ingredients in wet food can result in allergic reactions, including diarrhea in dogs.
Is wet dog food better for older dogs?
Yes, old dogs that need extra hydration or have urinary tract infections may greatly benefit from wet foods. Wet food is also easy to chew and digest making it good for old dogs.
Does wet food make your dog poop more?
No, wet food does not make your dog poop more. On the contrary, it may help firm up its stools.
Is it normal for dogs to poop 4 times a day?
Yes, it’s normal for a dog to poop 4 times a day. Generally, most dogs poop between 1-5 times per day, depending on their health status, exercise level, and age.
Over to You
Well, there’s everything you need to know about wet dog food. It’s crucial to determine your dog’s needs before settling on the type of food to give it.
Also, check Is Raw or Cooked Dog Food Better for Frenchies?
